Despite ongoing conflict in Sudan, residents of Khartoum found a moment of peace on Thursday night, gathering in the streets to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan.
Men shared Iftar meals outdoors on mats with neighbours, while women remained at home for the meal. The communal gatherings reflect a slow return to normalcy after the army recaptured the city last March, following years of fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
“Things are getting better than before. Thank God, the people in charge at Sanhori mosque brought back our memories, the good moments we used to have; they gave us hope,” said resident Ahmed Dafaa Allah.
In one street, 13 families broke the fast together, compared with only two families last Ramadan, highlighting the gradual return of residents to Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.
However, challenges remain. The Sudanese government is working to restore infrastructure, water, and electricity, but soaring prices and currency collapse continue to strain households. The Sudanese pound has fallen from 570 to the US dollar before the war to 3,500 in 2026 on the black market, making even basic goods like fruit and vegetables unaffordable.
“People complain about prices, say they’re outrageous. You can find everything, but the cost keeps rising,” said market vendor Mohamed.
While conflict persists in regions like Kordofan and Darfur, residents of the capital are finding solace in small moments of community, holding onto hope amid uncertainty.
